William "Bill" M. Larson Jr., M.D.

Jul 27, 1936 -

Apr 29, 2021

Dr. Bill Larson was born to William McKinley Larson and Elsa Lebeck on July 26, 1936, in Ft. Dodge, Iowa. Most of his childhood was in Miami, Ariz. He graduated from University of Arizona in 1958; UCLA medical school, in 1963; and University of Rochester, intern in medicine and pediatrics 1963, and residency in pediatrics in 1965.

In 1966, Dr. Larson enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base. After two years, he and his family moved to Walla Walla, Wash., which lasted for only a year, before realizing that he made a mistake leaving Alaska. He and his family returned to Anchorage. Dr. Larson officially was licensed for medical practice in Alaska in 1969.

In 1969, Dr. Larson was one of the earlier pediatricians practicing at Community Hospital and the Alaska Clinic, with Alaska Center for Family Medicine in 1976, and also served as Medical Director at Anchorage Neighborhood Clinic. He went into private practice in 1980. He retired in 2009 after practicing for 50 years.

Dr. Larson loved working in pediatrics. While in the Air Force he developed an interest in allergies in children, which led him to treating adults as well. He developed his subspecialties of attention deficit disorder in children and later in adults in the early 90s.

Dr. Larson made the perfect choice to make his home in Alaska. He loved it and all it represented. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, sailing, photography and creating frames out of natural wood. He had a rich and deep relationship with his family while making friends with almost everyone he met over the many years. He believed in living life to the fullest in everything he did.

With his wife, Sharon, Dr. Larson became "Bill" in his retirement career as a volunteer with Bird Treatment and Learning Center. The last 11 years brought amazing experiences with birds, especially owls, and very special "bird" people. Bill was on the Board to help with the building of the new Bird TLC Clinic facility located on Old Seward Highway.

After almost six years, Bill lost his battle with cancer on April 29, 2021. Thanks to the wonderful people of Providence Hospice, he was able to remain in his home with Sharon and his children right up to the end.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sharon; three children, Sabin Coleman of Tigard, Ore., Shura McGraw of Portland, Ore., and Sean Larson of Aurora, Ore.; five grandchildren, Taylor, Maggie, Riley, Molly and Nick; and one great-granddaughter, Aurora, all living in Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Bill's name to Bird Treatment and Learning Center.